Singer Actor

Biography

Johanna Allen has established a career as one of Australia’s most versatile Actor/Singers and has worked within Music Theatre, Theatre, Opera, Film and in concert performance. She has worked extensively across New York, UK and Australia.

After graduating with both a B.A. (Drama Performance),and Bachelor of Music Performance(Hons voice Elder Conservatorium), she was awarded an emerging artist scholarship to study at Juilliard School New York City under the tutelage of Daniel Ferro, with further study at the Actors Studio New York City.

New York theatre credits include Constanza in Amadeus Joseph Papp Theatre Central Park, Elizabeth Proctor in The Crucible New York Theatre Project, and her singing engagements included performances with the New York City Big Band, New York Music Theatre Festival, Lincoln Centre Jazz Festival and in concert/guest appearances at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, Birdland ,Don’t tell Mamas New York, Joe’s Pub and the Lincoln Centre Music Festival.

Within Australia she has appeared in concert with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and Australian Pops Orchestra andcontinuing her versatility, she recently toured Australia and New Zealand as backing vocalist and duet partner for the 2012 Reece Mastin X Factor Winner Tour.

She has collaborated in concert with artists including David Helfcott, Simon Burke, and Suzanne Vega and has performed on Carols by Candlelight, Mornings with Kerry Anne, G.M.A, So you think you can Dance, and The morning show with Kylie and Larry.

Her recent musical theatre credits include Dr Zhivago (Understudy Tonya National tour) where she appeared opposite Anthony Warlow and the Australian smash hit musical Wicked (Melbourne and Sydney Seasons, Morrible understudy). As principal with Opera Australia she appeared as Kate in The Pirates of Penzance (DVD Release and recording) opposite David Hobson and Anthony Warlow and as Pitti Sing in The Mikado both directed by Stuart Maunder. Further credits include Into the Woods (Baker’s Wife) GFO Capitol Theatre Rob Guest memorial. Into the Woods (Little Red Riding Hood) New York Theatre Project. The Wild Party – Music of Andrew Lippa Adelaide Cabaret Festival. Mr McGee and the Biting Flee ( Patch Theatre) Arts Centre Victoria, Suitcase – the words and music of Sean Peter International Melbourne Arts Festival, An Evening with Jeremy Sams (with Phillip Quast) Adelaide Cabaret Festival, Guys and Dolls ( Melbourne Symphony Orchestra/Adelaide Symphony Orchestra.), The Sign of the Seahorse (Playbox Theatre). SCAM! State Theatre of South Australia. Further principle roles for State Opera of South Australia include Inez (Il Trovatore), Lucy (Treemonisha) and the Old Lady in Candide as part of the State Opera Young Artist Program.

Co-founding member of acclaimed Cabaret trio Gentlemen Prefer Curves, the trio performed in all capital cities, including sell out performances at the Melbourne Comedy Festival, the International Spielgeltent, and His Majesty’s Theatre Perth.

In addition to her New York Theatre credits she most recently appeared in The Threepenny Opera for Sydney Theatre Company , A Midsummer Nights Dream ( Helena) Bard Ensemble, Hating Alison Ashley (Erika Yurken) National Tour, Winnie the Pooh (Piglet), and her film/television appearances include McCleod’s Daughter’s (Hayley), and ‘Travelling Light’ (Toi toi films/SA Film Corp) She has worked as a presenter for lifestyle programs Rewind (Seven Network) and on The Front Bar (Channel 9). Short films include El Morado (Australian Film Commission 2012), and The Eye (Director Esther Lamb). She is passionate about the development of new Australian writing and has been involved in several developments for new theatre including ’The Diary of Samuel Pepys’ and ’Sunlight’ (film adaption). She has been associated with ‘Ode to Nonsense’ a work based on the life of Edward Lear with music by Qunicy Grant (When the Rain stops falling) from it’s inception, and will be originating the role of Gussie (Edward Lear’s companion) in 2013 premiere season.

Most recently she premiered with band, her sold out solo show ‘mixtape and other stories’ with Nigel Uhbrien for the Adelaide Cabaret Festival 2012 to acclaim. Sydney and Melbourne Seasons to follow. She also appeared at both Sydney and Melbourne Twisted Broadway Concerts, singing the songs of male rock gods and manly music theatre.

Future engagements also include Guest Artist in the 2012 Christmas Proms with the Adelaide Art Orchestra at His Majesty’s Theatre. Johanna is also thrilled to have recorded her first CD ‘Calling Card’ in collaboration with Jazz pianist Mark Ferguson which is available on iTunes.